Robotic compared with laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy: A randomized controlled trial

摘要

To the Editor: In the January 2014 edition of Obstetrics & Gynecology, the debate about the role of robotics in benign gynecology continues, with two editorials, a randomized trial on laparoscopic compared with robotic sacrocolpopexy and one commentary. The randomized trial provides no new insights on the would-be superiority of robotic surgery on outcomes such as comorbidity or effectiveness. What is more, costs of robotic surgery were significantly higher and patient pain scores 1 week after surgery were higher in the robotics group. These findings are consistent with previous studies. As Dr. Advincula rightly mentions, cost analyses are difficult to perform. In our view, however, costs of ergonomic circumstances and physical challenges of (conventional) minimally invasive surgery must also be taken into account These include both direct costs for the health care provider and indirect costs (ie, from the hospital or societal perspective).